EU leaders to discuss possible ban on entry for Russian tourists

European Union leaders are expected to discuss possible restrictions on the entry of Russian tourists at a summit on October 15-16, according to a European source cited by Izvestia.

“Mass Russian tourism to European resorts remains unacceptable under the current circumstances. The suspension of visa issuance will be discussed,” the source said.

The issue comes as Germany moves to tighten its policy toward Russian citizens. German authorities said on Wednesday that they planned to strengthen controls on the entry of Russians, close Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin, and push for new sanctions against Russia at the EU level.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has also called on EU member states to follow Germany’s lead by closing Russian consulates and reducing the number of Russian diplomats.

The reported proposal to discuss a possible entry ban does not amount to a decision to impose such a measure.

By Tamilla Hasanova